COURTESY OF passivhausMaine
Maine’s aging housing stock and a reliance on inefficient technologies are key challenges for the state’s residents. With many homes built decades ago, often using now-outdated materials, the need for energy-efficient upgrades is more pressing than ever. Enter low-carbon retrofitting — a push for sustainability tied directly to Maine’s forest industry, which offers a unique opportunity for both the economy and our statewide workforce.
The case for low-carbon upgrade
Many of Maine’s homes are stick-built structures, lacking modern insulation, and often powered by expensive and polluting heating oil. This combination not only increases energy costs for homeowners but also leaves homes with poor energy efficiency and a larger carbon footprint. Retrofitting these homes with materials like high-performance insulation, energy-efficient windows and renewable wood-based products reduces our state’s carbon footprint while making homes more comfortable and healthier… and it saves money.
But upgrading homes will require more than just materials. Maine has a chance to fuel future economic growth by investing in local economies and workforces. At passivhausMAINE, their programming is bringing needed training directly to Mainers, wherever they are.
Forest products: A key player in energy efficiency
Maine’s forests can be a solution to both the housing and workforce challenges. Sustainable wood products, like cross-laminated timber (CLT) and other engineered wood materials, are increasingly replacing traditional materials like steel and concrete in construction.
The University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center has been at the forefront of these developments, advancing wood composites and even 3D-printed homes using forest products. But for these innovations to make a meaningful impact on the state’s housing crisis, they must be used in our industries.
Workforce development is crucial
Mainers are forward thinking, and our state must continue investment into training programs to equip builders, contractors and tradespeople to work with advanced wood products and high-efficiency construction techniques.
By focusing on workforce development, Maine can grow its forest products industry and make strides toward upgrading its housing stock. Sustainable building isn’t just about materials — it’s about empowering people with the tools and skills to implement them.
MAINE FOREST PRODUCTS 2024
